Crist Wants New Stadium For Rays

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Governor Charlie Crist says he thinks the state should try to figure out a way to help the Tampa Bay Rays build a new waterfront stadium in St. Petersburg.

The Rays earlier this month announced plans for a proposal for a $450 million, open-air downtown stadium but it's not clear how it might be paid for.

Crist says he loves the idea and has pledged to the baseball team that he will do what he can to help. That leaves open the possibility of supporting a move to put state tax dollars into the mix. Crist has also backed state financing for a new stadium for the Florida Marlins.

Crist acknowledges the state's money problems must be consideredbefore finding money for a new ballpark.

Currently, the Rays play in the domed Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

That's where Crist grew up in and lived much of his life. He also once worked for Major League Baseball in the minor league office.

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